Youth discover techniques for cyber safety

By Ms. Lori Grein (IMCOM)April 8, 2010

Youth discover techniques for cyber safety
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich. Aca,!" Youth, kindergarten through twelfth grade, attended an age-appropriate workshop focused on cyber safety on April 6 -- the second class in a three-part series organized by Family Advocacy, Employee Assistance, and Child, Youth and School Services.

Presenter Doug Rivers from the Macomb County SheriffAca,!a,,cs Department provided internet safety tips along with real-life examples and scenarios of how youth can be lured into compromising situations by online predators.

Aca,!A"The class was good reinforcement for the children,Aca,!A? said Jillian Wilkerson, youth services director, Child, Youth and School Services Middle School and Teen Program. Aca,!A"The stories presented really hit home to these kids.Aca,!A?

The students agreed. Several of the girls immediately chimed into the conversation, expressing their fear after watching a video on the web of a young girl who was severely beaten by other teens.

Aca,!A"I learned some things too,Aca,!A? stated Wilkerson. Aca,!A"I learned that children can be charged for taking inappropriate pictures of themselves or others and then posting them on the web.Aca,!A?

Following the presentation, the teens enjoyed a pizza lunch and openly talked about the presentation.

Aca,!A"Everything that goes on the internet stays there for good,Aca,!A? said Courtney Banks, 14.

Jamya Hopkins, 15, agreed. Aca,!A"Once you send something, you canAca,!a,,ct take it back.Aca,!A?

Aca,!A"I knew a lot of the stuff that they taught us,Aca,!A? continued Hopkins. Aca,!A"My mom has been teaching me these things since I was old enough to be on a computer. But I think it helped me to hear it again, to hear the stories.Aca,!A? Hopkins also credits her knowledge of internet safety to the efforts of her school and the news.

The series of cyber safety classes began by educating parents on cyber-bullying, social network safety, internet lingo and the importance of vigilant supervision. The program then concentrates on teaching school age children internet activity dos and donAca,!a,,cts and concludes by readdressing and reinforcing parental support.

The U.S. Army Garrison-Detroit Arsenal remains committed to protecting its youth against predators who target school age children on the internet.

Aca,!A"Our goal is to provide a strong, supportive environment for our youth,Aca,!A? said Nancy Mitchell, CYSS director. Aca,!A"We will do all we can to ensure their safety.Aca,!A?